Moisture-management in hydrophilic fibers

ABSTRACT

A nano technology process for the manufacture of a fabric that comprises fibers, such as man-made fibers, cotton fibers or cellulose fibers, which are essentially hydrophilic, with improved moisture-management performance, in which the fibers are individually encapsulated with a nano chemistry water-repellant surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for imparting to hydrophilicfibers less absorbing of moisture properties, and improvedmoisture-management in yarns and fabrics thereof. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to cotton or man-made cotton or cellulosefibers within yarns or fabric constructions, where their moisturetransmission throughout is improved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Moisture-management rapidly accumulates increased interest in high-techtextile industry as an important factor in recreational as well ascustomary garments and apparels. The need for fast drying type fabrics,especially for athletic purposes, has so far been satisfied with the useof synthetic hydrophobic materials that do not absorb moisture. However,the ability to control perspiration absorption, transport, andevaporation off skin tissue through apparels, made of naturalhydrophilic materials, especially ones as cotton, to the atmosphereenables their use in areas traditionally governed by the syntheticfabrics.

Moisture-management is defined in the Journal of Textile and Apparel,Technology and Management, Vol. 2, Issue 3, Summer 2002, as “thecontrolled movement of water vapor and liquid water (perspiration) fromthe surface of the skin to the atmosphere through the fabric”. Althoughmostly referred to perspiration, this term may be more broadly relatedto release of liquid, secreted from different body organs through skintissue, and its subsequent transport and removal.

Cotton fabrics are well known to impart a more pleasant feeling uponcontact with skin tissue, and are mostly preferred due to either theirnatural origin or other superior qualities over synthetic fibers.However, being essentially of hydrophilic nature, they are known toabsorb liquids secreted through skin tissue, and release them only tooslowly into the atmosphere, especially when a wearer is being engagedwith excessive physical activity. These features produce a heavy apparelwhen wet, which imparts an uncomfortable wet and sticky sensation to thewearer. Additional effects are the limiting of one's motion, andinduction of a cold feeling during recess.

Several approaches are known to date in processing hydrophilic fabrics,e.g., cotton, into fast drying type. Drying rate of cotton fabrics withreduced thickness turned to be equal to that of polyester fabrics. Othersolutions employed the use of blends of cotton and synthetic fibers,e.g., cotton/polyester, cotton/nylon, or cotton/polypropylene,hydrophobic backing layers as silicone, or waxes on the fabric side,which is close to the skin, or scouring, bleaching, and finishing of100% cotton fabrics (for the last approach see, Moisture Management:Myths, Magic and Misconceptions, William A Rearick, Vikki B. Martin, andMichele L. Wallace, Cotton Incorporated, Cary, N.C.).

Moisture-management in hydrophilic fabrics is translated into a wickingprocess of the liquid absorbed, in which a spontaneous transport of theliquid is driven through pores and spaces in the fabric by capillaryforces. The surface tension of the liquid causes a pressure differenceacross the curved liquid-air (vapor) giving a liquid movement. Wickingis also affected by the morphology of the fiber surface, and may beaffected by the shape of the fibers. The rate of wicking is affected bythe size and geometry of the capillary spaces between fibers. Therefore,wicking can be improved by changing the fiber surface by absorption ofsurfactant.

Although the aforementioned detailed reference relates mostly to cotton,the inventive concept of the present invention applies equally to otherraw materials, from which man-made fibers, yarns, and various types offabrics, garments, and apparels may be produced. Cotton and cellulose,the latter also having hydrophilic tendency and good water absorptionsimilar to that of cotton, are good examples of raw materials from whichmoisture-management improved man-made fibers may be produced. Suchman-made fibers are, therefore, good potential candidates for thefabrication of improved moisture-management textile products accordingto the teaching of the present invention, while sustaining their othervirtues essentially unaffected. In its broader scope, the presentinvention, therefore, relates also to man-made yarns and fabrics andend-uses thereof, which are made of essentially hydrophilic materials,and which are of improved moisture-management qualities according to theteaching of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a processfor the manufacture of yarns and fabrics with improvedmoisture-management performance.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a processfor the manufacture of fabrics possessing improved performance ofmoisture-absorption, moisture-transportation, and moisture-evaporation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a processfor the manufacture of fabrics with improved wicking effect.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a processfor the manufacture of modified encapsulated fibers within a fabric.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a nanotechnology process for the manufacture of silicone-encapsulated fibersin a fabric, where the silicone encapsulation is of particulate form ofnano-scale size, and therefore the encapsulation being applied includenano chemistry process.

In still another object of the present invention the fabrics and fibersthus manufactured are of surface area and morphology that while beingsilicon-encapsulated improved, their moisture-management and wicking areimproved.

Still another object of the present invention is to providesilicon-encapsulated fibers in a fabric, where the encapsulationincludes a nano technology chemistry.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide fabricscomprising silicone-encapsulated fibers.

In still another object of the present invention the fabrics comprisingsilicone-encapsulated fibers for moisture-management improvementcomprise woven, non-woven, textured, or knitted forms.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide garment andtextile articles comprising silicone-encapsulated fibers imparting morecomfortable sensation upon use, and improved moisture-management,wicking, transportation, and evaporation.

In still another aspect of the present invention the fibers, yarns,fabrics, and end-uses textiles thereof, are essentially made ofhydrophilic materials, which are good water absorbents. Particularly,the fibers, yarns, and fabrics of the present invention are eithercotton or man-made cotton or cellulose fibers, yarns and fabrics,respectively.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a processfor the manufacture of silicon-encapsulated cotton yarns and fabricswith improved moisture-management performance, the moisture-managementbeing expressed in moisture-absorption, moisture-transportation , i.e.,wicking, and moisture-evaporation.

In a second preferred embodiment, the present invention provides aprocess for the manufacture of silicone-encapsulated man-made cotton orcellulose yarns and fabrics with improved moisture-managementperformance, the moisture-management being expressed inmoisture-absorption, moisture-transportation, i.e., wicking, andmoisture-evaporation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides the benefits of both a fabric comprisingmodified textile fibers, imparting a pleasant sensation upon contactwith skin tissue, and improved moisture-management performance,essentially alleviating uncomfortable perspiration and heat off theskin.

Moisture- or water-management in hydrophilic yarns and fabrics,especially in hydrophilic cotton or man-made cotton or cellulose yarnsand fabrics, is achieved through wicking of excessive moisture throughthe fibers themselves and through pores in between them. Wicking inhydrophobic silicone-encapsulated fibers is carried-out throughcapillaries formed between individually encapsulated fibers. That is,each fiber is encapsulated with a moisture-repellant material, thefibers are tightly bound together, and wicking does not take placethrough the fibers themselves. Especially, treatment of either cotton orman-made fibers with silicone, which is a hydrophobic material, andsilicone encapsulation is therefore of double purpose; preventingpenetration of moisture inside the fibers themselves, for example duringbody perspiration, or in any other form of secretion of water, aqueoussolutions, suspensions, dispersions and the like at the same timeensuring moisture-transportation and evaporation through capillarywicking in between the fibers.

Furthermore, a commonly known drawback in most contemporary improvedfabrics in this field is the gradual, continuous deterioration inmoisture-management during use, and especially after repeated washings.Contrary to that, the process of the present invention, and the fibers,and fabrics thereof, offer at least sustaining moisture-managementperformance level during use, and in most cases even its improvement,especially after repeated washings. The latter phenomenon results due towashing-off of extra silicone particles inhabiting the inter-fibercapillaries, thus opening them, and allowing better breath ability, andwicking of moisture absorbed. This fact sets an important advantage ofthe process of the present invention over other processes for themanufacture of fibers and fabrics thereof known in this field,demonstrating a more resilient, life-extended fiber, fabrics, textile,and garment articles comprising it.

In accordance with the nano technology process of the present invention,encapsulation treatment of the fibers is carried-out withwater-repellant nano chemistry silicone. Preferably, this encapsulationis conducted essentially by bringing each individual fiber in contactwith silicone nano-particles, also termed nano-silicone. Preferably,this contact takes place by immersing the fibers in particulate siliconesuspension, thus ensuring maximal silicone coverage of each fibersurface area. Since silicone is a hydrophobic material, moisturepenetration into the cotton fibers is thus prevented, while capillarywicking process takes over in moisture transportation off the skin, theconcurrent evaporation, and as a result a cool and comfortable feeling.

A preferable feature of the fibers, aiding in the wicking process, istheir surface morphology. As is demonstrated in FIGS. 1A and B, thecotton fibers employed, may be of an alternating concave/convex andflattened shape. The fibers morphology may be alternatively described asthat of bean shape, where the fibers take a slightly flat and twistedshape. Such morphology forms multiple conduits between the fibers, whichare designated in FIG. 1A as I, II, III, and IV, in which moisture-airsurface tension increases, vertical capillarity of moisture is enhanced,and as a result wicking process is accelerated through these conduits

Fabrics, textiles, apparels, and garments of the present invention mayfurther comprise other types of fibers in combination with the modifiedcotton or man-made cotton or cellulose fibers. In one embodiment of thepresent invention the fabrics comprise cotton fibers, which areincorporated with Lycra in a volume ratio of 1:10.

All the above and the characteristics and advantages of the inventionwill be further explained through the following illustrative andnon-limitative examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of the cotton fibers employed in an alternatingconcave/convex and flattened shape.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cotton fibers employed in analternating concave/convex and flattened shape.

EXAMPLES AND TEST RESULTS

Wicking tests of untreated and treated cotton fabrics have beenconducted under two standard test methods, i.e., Drop Test, and VerticalWicking, the latter being according to both M&S (Marks and Spencer) andNike standard test.

The results, presented in the following Tables, refer either totime-dependent advance of moisture in the capillary channels of a cottonfabric, in accordance with the Vertical Wicking test method, or totime-dependent area coverage advance of the moisture in the fabric,measured close to starting and advanced time points, in accordance withthe test method of Drop Test. The Drop Test also includes percentagemeasurements of moisture evaporation at a pre-determined time-point.

In both tests, the fabrics were further tested for sustaining wickingperformance level after repeated washes. It should be mentioned in thisregard, that although it is common practice to test fabrics up tobetween 10 and 20 wash rounds, the tests of the fabrics of the presentinvention continued further to up to 30 wash rounds. Another point isthat each wash round included 30 cycles at 40° C., Tumble Dry, that is,the fabrics were washed and dried repeatedly.

Absorbency test were conducted in accordance with Nike absorbency testmethod and standard, and were aimed at measuring the susceptibility ofthe fabric to take in and retain a liquid (usually water) within thepores and construction of the fabric. Absorbency rate of a drop wasmeasured in five different areas, and in both front and back surfaces ofthe fabric. The minimal time period required for determining absorbencyin fabrics was set to 30 seconds.

Analysis of the results is provided in accordance with the followingTables I-VI.

Fabrics made essentially of cotton fibers or cotton/Lycra combinationswith known relations, were tested for moisture-management before andafter treatment. Table I herein summarizes time-dependent resultsobtained for pre-treated fabrics under Nike standard test. According tothis standard, the advance of moisture through the fabric essentiallymeasures wicking; this is done by the vertical test at the fabric length‘L’ and the fabric width ‘W’. As is noted in the caption below, atime-dependent distance of 15 cm in maximal 30 minutes time interval isa minimal requirement for quality assurance. TABLE I FABRIC SAMPLESBEFORE TREATMENT VERTICAL WICKING NIKE PF3-2001 WICKING WICKING BEFOREAFTER 1 AFTER 5 AFTER 20 AFTER 30 WASH WASH WASHES WASHES WASHES TIME LW TIME L W TIME L W TIME L W TIME L W min. cm cm min. cm cm min. cm cmmin. cm cm min. cm cm 5276 3 8 7 3 9 6.5 3 10.5 7.5 3 10 7 3 10 7 100%COTTON 4O/1 22 15 17 15 11 15 11 15 11.5 15 RIB 30 12.5 30 13 30 13.5 3014 30 14 7017 3 8 8 3 7.5 7.5 3 8.5 9 3 7.5 8.5 3 7.5 8.5 % PIMA 80/1/26 15 22 15 21 15 15 18 15 15 18 15 15 9% LYCRA SINGLE 27 15 23 15 76253 7.5 7.5 3 6.5 7.5 3 8 8.5 3 8 8 3 8 8.5 92% COTTON 30/1/ 8% LYCRA 2415 22 15 20 15 15 19 15 15 19 15 SINGLE 26 15 25 15 20 15 6719 3 8 8 3 88 3 8.5 8.5 3 9 8.5 3 9 8.5 95% COTTON 40/1/ 8% LYCRA 22 15 22 15 19 1515 17 15 15 18 15 SINGLE 30 15 26 15 19 15 7481 3 7 8 3 8 8 3 8.5 8.5 38 9 3 8 8.5 92% PIMA 50/1/ 8% LYCRA 23 15 22 15 15 19 15 16 15 16 15SINGLE 24 15 20 15 18 15 18 15 WICKING STANDARD: MINIMUM 15 cm. INMAXIMUM 30 mm

TABLE II FABRIC SAMPLES AFTER TREATMENT VERTICAL WICKING NIKE PF3-2001WICKING WICKING BEFORE AFTER 1 AFTER 5 AFTER 20 AFTER 30 WASH WASHWASHES WASHES WASHES TIME L W TIME L W TIME L W TIME L W TIME L W min.cm cm min. cm cm min. cm cm min. cm cm min. cm cm 5276 3 8.5 6.5 3 8.5 73 9.5 7 3 10 7 3 10 7.5 100% COTTON 24 15 18 15 14 15 12 15 10 15 40/1RIB 30 12.5 30 13 30 13.5 30 14 30 15 7017 3 8 8 3 7.5 8 3 7.5 8 3 8.58.5 3 8 8.5 91% PIMA 80/1/ 22 15 24 15 22 15 15 18 15 15 17 15 15 9%LYCRA SINGLE 26 15 25 15 7625 3 7.5 8 3 7 7.5 3 8 8 3 7.5 8 3 8 8 92%COTTON 30/1/ 23 15 21 15 19 15 20 15 18 15 8% LYCRA SINGLE 25 15 23 1522 15 21 15 19 15 6719 3 7.5 7.5 3 8.5 8 3 9 8.5 3 9 8.5 3 9 8.5 95%COTTON 40/1/ 26 15 21 15 19 15 16 15 15 15 8% LYCRA SINGLE 30 12 29 1525 15 18 15 17 15 7481 3 8 7.5 3 7.5 7.5 3 8 7.5 3 8 8.5 3 8 8.5 92%PIMA 50/1/ 27 15 23 15 20 15 15 17 15 18 15 15 8% LYCRA SINGLE 29 15 2515 18 15 WICKING STANDARD: MINIMUM 15 cm. IN MAXIMUM 30 mm

The results obtained were further compared to those of treated fabricscomprising silicone-encapsulated cotton fibers or silicone-encapsulatedcotton/ Lycra fiber combinations.

It is clear from Table I, that all pre-treated fabrics pass the wickingtest, and are not affected by repeated washing. Successful wicking, asthe results in Table II demonstrate, is observed also in the treatedfabrics, in most cases accompanied by an exceptional improvement withincreasing wash rounds, contrary to ordinary decrease in performance.

Wicking test was also conducted under Drop Test standard, and moistureevaporation test as well. Same fabrics that were tested for wicking asshown in Tables I and II, were tested here, only according to thisstandard the area coverage of moisture in the fabrics was measured atclose to starting and end time points. Evaporation was measured at atime point of 10 minutes after moisture-absorbance, and relative to thewet fabric weight. The minimum requirements for successfully passingthis test were between 600 to 1000 mm² area coverage, and between 20%and 40% relative evaporation. The results are summarized in Tables IIIand IV below. TABLE III WICKING & EVAPORATION DROP TEST FABRIC SAMPLESBEFORE TREATMENT M&S TEST P 136A BEFORE WASH AFTER 1 WASHES AFTER 5WASHES AFTER 20 WASHES AFTER 30 WASHES WICK- WICK- EVAP- WICK- ING INGOR. ING AREA EVAP- AREA EVAP- WICK- AREA WICK- EVAP- AREA EVAP- SAM (sq.mm) OR. % (sq. mm) OR. ING % (sq.mm) ING OR. % (sq. mm) OR. % PLE 1 min.10 min. 10 min. 1 min. 10 min. 10 min. 1 min. 10 min. 10 min. 1 min. 10min. 10 min. 1 min. 10 min. 10 min. 5276 844 981 12.5 777 922 20 828 95922.2 740 939 20 829 1060 11.11 7017 1014 1255 10 1036 1094 20 1014 119320 895 1154 20 1005 1154 11.11 7625 592 683 10 550 769 11.1 636 777 20637 754 20 653 824 11.1 6719 888 1080 22.2 699 955 12.5 776 973 22.2 857989 20 769 980 11.11 7481 801 879 11.1 632 929 20 824 964 18.2 813 94922.2 622 925 22.2

TABLE IV WICKING & EVAPORATION DROP TEST FABRIC SAMPLES AFTER TREATMENTM&S TEST p-136A BEFORE WASH AFTER 1 WASHES AFTER 5 WASHES AFTER 20WASHES AFTER 30 WASHES WICK- WICK- EVAP- WICK- ING ING OR. ING AREAEVAP- AREA EVAP- WICK- AREA WICK- EVAP- AREA EVAP- SAM (sq. mm) OR. %(sq. mm) OR. ING % (sq.mm) ING OR. % (sq. mm) OR. % PLE 1 min. 10 min.10 min. 1 min. 10 min. 10 min. 1 min. 10 min. 10 min. 1 min. 10 min. 10min. 1 min. 10 min. 10 min. 5276 1017 1248 20 722 903 22.2 1060 1295 25776 1017 22.2 758 980 30 7017 883 1181 22.2 852 984 22.2 955 1126 22.21071 1133 22.2 949 1121 25 7625 751 854 20 593 777 22.2 628 751 20 678774 30 653 728 25 6719 848 1022 20 741 1005 18.2 813 955 22.2 791 949 20769 955 22.2 7481 746 1005 22.2 871 955 20 842 954 22.2 895 1041 20 871942 25STANDARD M&SEVAPORATION: 20%-40%WICKING: 600-1000 sq. mm

Table III demonstrates that all pre-treated fabrics pass successfullythe wicking test, while essentially and mostly do not comply with theminimum sufficient level of evaporation. In contrast, the same type offabrics comprising silicone-encapsulated cotton fibers or combinationsof silicone-encapsulated cotton fibers/Lycra pass successfully bothwicking and evaporation tests. The exceptional successful and evenimproved results of both wicking and evaporation tests are repeatedunder this standard as well. It is therefore straightforwardly concludedthat this phenomenon is inherent to those fabrics that comprisesilicone-encapsulated cotton fibers.

It should also be noted that the combination of both good wicking andgood evaporation performances results in the desired goal of the presentinvention, as well as the one in the field of fast-drying type hi-techfabrics. That is, fabrics that comprise silicone-encapsulated cottonfibers in accordance with the teaching of the present invention, provideboth moisture-absorbance and fast moisture-transport andmoisture-release.

Absorbency tests were conducted to assure the minimum requirement forstandard moisture-absorption rate, substantially being set to minimumtime interval of 30 seconds. Tables V and VI herein, present thepre-treated and treated fabrics, respectively. As can be clearly seen,silicone-encapsulation does not negatively affect the susceptibility tomoisture of the fabrics.

In summary, according to the results presented hereinabove, the novelfabrics of the present invention essentially and substantiallydemonstrate excellent moisture-management performance, which is alsodurable with time and repeated use. The fabrics of the present inventionare, therefore, excellent materials for various garment and textileapplications, and for various daily, regular, recreational, or manyother applications.

While examples of the invention have been described for purposes ofillustration, it will be apparent that persons skilled in the art cancarry out many modifications, variations and adaptations, withoutexceeding the scope of the claims. TABLE V ABSORBENCY AATCC 79 FABRICSAMPLES BEFORE TREATMENT ABSORBENCY BEFORE AFTER AFTER 5 AFTER 20 AFTER30 WASH WASH WASHES WASHES WASHES Right Link Right Link Right Link RightLink Right Link FABRIC sec sec sec sec sec sec sec sec sec sec 5276 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100% COTTON 40/1 RIB 7017 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 91% PIMA80/1/9% LYCRA SINGLE 7625 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 92% COTTON 30/1/8% LYCRASINGLE 6719 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 95% COTTON 40/1/8% LYCRA SINGLE 7481 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 92% PIMA 50/1/8% LYCRA SINGLE STANDARD: MAXIMUM 30 sec

TABLE VI ABSORBENCY AATCC 79 FABRIC SAMPLES AFTER TREATMENT ABSORBENCYBEFORE AFTER AFTER 5 AFTER 20 AFTER 30 WASH WASH WASHES WASHES WASHESRight Link Right Link Right Link Right Link Right Link FABRIC sec secsec sec sec sec sec sec sec sec 5276 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100% COTTON40/1 RIB 7017 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 91% PIMA 80/1/9% LYCRA SINGLE 7625 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 92% COTTON 30/1/8% LYCRA SINGLE 6719 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 195% COTTON 40/1/8% LYCRA SINGLE 7481 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 92% PIMA50/1/8% LYCRA SINGLE STANDARD: MAXIMUM 30 sec

1. A nano technology process for the manufacture of a fabric comprisingfibers, said fibers being essentially hydrophilic, with improvedmoisture-management performance, said process comprising the step ofindividually encapsulating said fibers with a nano chemistrywater-repellant surface.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein said fibersare cotton fibers.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein said fibers areman-made fibers, preferably cotton fibers or cellulose fibers.
 4. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein said encapsulating of said fibers with saidwater-repellant surface essentially imparts superior moisture-managementperformance to said fabric.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein saidwater-repellant surface is a particulate silicone surface, wherein theparticles of said silicone surface are of nano-scale size.
 6. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein said encapsulation is carried-out byessentially immersing said fibers in particulate silicone suspension,said suspension comprising silicone particles in nano-scale size.
 7. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein the cross section of said fibers are of beanshape, said cotton fibers being in slightly flat and twisted shape. 8.The process of claim 1, wherein the encapsulated cotton fibers arefurther tightly bound to form a fabric, said fabric comprising openchannels between said fibers.
 9. The process of claim 8, wherein theimproved moisture-management performance is essentially conducted bywicking of moisture through said open channels.
 10. The process of claim1, wherein said fabric further comprising synthetic fibers inpre-determined amount.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein saidsynthetic fiber is Lycra.
 12. The process of claim 1, wherein saidfabric further comprises washing additives, bleaching additives, dyingfinishing additives, colorants, finishing additives.
 13. A fabric withimproved moisture-management performance, said fabric comprising fibersencapsulated with water-repellant surface, said fibers being essentiallyhydrophilic.
 14. The fabric of claim 13, wherein said fibers are cottonfibers.
 15. The fabric of claim 13, wherein said fibers are man-madefibers, preferably said man-made fibers are cotton or cellulose fibers.16. The fabric of claim 13, wherein said encapsulated water-repellantsurface essentially imparts superior moisture-management performance tosaid fabric.
 17. The fabric of claim 16, wherein saidmoisture-management performance essentially translated into wicking ofsaid moisture, said wicking essentially being carried-out throughinter-fiber channels in said fabric.
 18. The fabric of claim 13, whereinsaid water-repellant surface is a particulate silicone surface, whereinthe particles of said silicone surface are of nano-scale size.
 19. Thefabric of claim 11, wherein the cross section of said fibers is of beanshape, said fibers being in slightly flat and twisted shape.
 20. Thefabric of claim 13, further comprising synthetic fibers inpre-determined amount.
 21. The fabric of claim 20, wherein saidsynthetic fiber is Lycra.
 22. A textile article comprising a fabric ofclaim
 13. 23. The textile article of claim 22, essentially havingsuperior moisture-management performance.
 24. The textile article ofclaim 23, wherein said article is any of apparel, garment, or clothing.